We really like the idea of every household having an opportunity to participate and also hearing what this means — the real truth.”

Superintendent Dr. Kristine Wehrkamp Herman

Hastings Public Schools will ask households throughout Independent School District 200 for their views on potentially increasing operating referendum funding, with the School Board selecting School Perceptions to conduct the community survey.
The board voted unanimously Wednesday, Sept. 23, first to proceed with a referendum survey and then to hire School Perceptions from among three firms considered by the district.
The survey will help determine whether there is community support for additional operating funding before the board decides whether to place a referendum question before voters in November 2027.
Superintendent Dr. Kristine Wehrkamp Herman said the district is considering eventually revoking and replacing its two existing operating levies with a single levy and potentially increasing the amount.
"We are not currently at the max, and we could, depending on tax tolerance of our community members, potentially go to the max," Wehrkamp Herman said.
She emphasized that conducting the survey does not mean the board has decided to put a referendum on the ballot.
"Once we go out for the survey, you get the results," she said. "Then we make the determination: Is this something we want to do?"
The district identified the survey's purpose as determining the level of community support for additional operating funding. Its goal is to obtain reliable feedback while helping residents understand district needs and options.
District officials interviewed three firms: Morris Leatherman Company, Donovan Group and School Perceptions.
Each proposed a substantially different method.
Morris Leatherman proposed a random telephone survey of 400 district households for a base cost of $25,000. Donovan Group proposed an online survey with weighted reporting for a base cost of $10,000. School Perceptions proposed mailing survey information to every district household, with residents able to respond either online or on paper. Its base vendor fee is $11,000.
Once printing and postage are included, the estimated School Perceptions cost increases to between $20,300 and $23,700.
Wehrkamp Herman said the ability to reach every household was a major reason for the administration's recommendation.
"We really like the idea of every household having an opportunity to participate and also hearing what this means — the real truth," she said.
Information accompanying the survey could explain what additional revenue would be used for and provide examples of the tax impact at various funding levels.
"I really do recommend School Perceptions," Wehrkamp Herman said. "Even though that cost is higher than Donovan, I think by ensuring that we've given the opportunity to respond ... I feel strongly about that."
School Perceptions' model would send invitations to more than 15,000 households, with each household receiving a unique access code. Residents could answer online or use a paper survey. The company's services also include survey strategy and design, administration support, reminders, a data portal, a report and virtual presentation.
Board members said broad participation was an important consideration.
"I like School Perceptions, and there's two reasons," Board Member Mark Zuzek said. "One is it gets to every home."
He said reaching households throughout the district, including townships outside the City of Hastings, was important.
Zuzek also said the process could give residents detailed information before the district makes any referendum decision.
"If we decide to move forward in the fall of 2027 with a levy referendum, it's critical that we start educating the public," he said.
Board Member Jessica Dressley said the broad distribution could address concerns raised about previous survey efforts.
"I really like the idea of getting it out to every household," Dressley said.
Board Chair Carrie Tate acknowledged that School Perceptions costs more than the least expensive proposal but said she believed gathering information before making a referendum decision justified the expenditure.
"I think it's worth doing the due diligence and spending the money upfront to get the feedback to know that we're confident in what we're going after on the ballot," Tate said.
Student board representatives also supported making both paper and electronic response options available, noting that relying on one method could skew who responds.
The board unanimously approved School Perceptions as the referendum survey consultant.
Other business
The referendum survey was one of several matters handled during the Sept. 23 meeting.
The board welcomed new student representatives Leighton Morgan and Samantha Seaman, who took the oath of office. Student reports from district buildings are expected to resume at the October meeting. Note_transcript
The board's Raider Spotlight recognized Hastings Middle School teacher and track coach Austin Eliason, who was named Minnesota Class AAA Assistant Track Coach of the Year. Eliason credited the athletes and the program's coaching staff for Hastings' success, including state records and titles and third-place finishes by both the boys and girls teams at the state meet.
Superintendent Wehrkamp Herman reported a strong start to the school year and highlighted Homecoming Week. She also recognized the district's technology staff in connection with National IT Professionals Day and thanked board members during School Board Member Appreciation Month.
In other action, the board unanimously approved its maximum levy limitations and approved the consent agenda. The meeting agenda also included an investment recommendation, field trips to Eagle Bluff and a Hastings High School band jazz festival in Appleton, Wis., and acceptance of donations.